Mercedes taking time on driver options amid Schumacher rumours

Dec 7, 2009, 13:04 GMT

Hamburg - Mercedes GP will not be rushed into choosing a second driver to partner Nico Rosberg in the Formula One team next season amid continuing speculation over the return of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug told German Press Agency dpa that the team would 'have to live' with the speculation over Schumacher as it weighs up its driver options for 2010.

'I can understand that there is a huge interest in who will be driving alongside Nico Rosberg,' Haug said.

'However we need time and I cannot promise today that the present will be unwrapped before Christmas.'

Haug said Mercedes had a number of options and 'to weigh up all the details needs time and we will take this time.'

Mercedes, which has taken a major stake in the Brawn team, is believed to favour an all-German line-up after losing world champion Jenson Button to McLaren-Mercedes, and has already spoken to Nick Heidfeld as a possible team-mate for compatriot Rosberg.

Schumacher, 40, has been silent over rumours of a possible return. He was due last season to step in for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari but had to pull out as a result of lingering problems with a neck injury.

Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, speaking to the Times on Sunday, about a possible Schumacher return, said: 'I would personally doubt that he's going to make a comeback but, having said that, it's maybe getting a bit stronger than a rumour.'

Ecclestone said a Schumacher return would be 'magic' for the sport, but added: 'Whether or not this is going to happen, I don't know. If I was Michael I wouldn't do it, but I'm sure he knows he could get the job done.'